KUCHING: Those involved in any waste disposal method that results in damage or injury to health will be fined up to RM1,000 under the Local Authorities Act 1996 and the Local Authorities By-Laws.
Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Penguang Manggil (pic), who revealed this, called on local farmers to develop the agricultural sector through a more eco-friendly approach without resorting to open burning.
He said open burning must be done in accordance with the legal provisions of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance.
According to him, last month’s haze was regrettable as there were still some people doing open burning behind their houses just to dispose of leaves and grass.
“This should not be done through open burning.
“Therefore, I urge all local authorities in Sarawak, starting today, to enforce the provisions of both laws,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Kuching Division Environmental Awareness Programme yesterday.
In addition, he stressed that community leaders should advise their charges to be more responsible when working on their farms.
“I hope that we can all work together to prevent open burning and environmental pollution for the sake of our wellbeing,” he said.
Also present were Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources permanent secretary Datuk Zaidi Mahdi, Natural Resources and Environment Board environmental quality controller Justine Jok Jau Emang, department heads and community leaders.
